Amid the rolling fields, red sands, and sea-kissed air of Cavendish, stories have always taken root. This is the very land that sparked the imagination of L.M. Montgomery—and now, it’s your turn to be inspired.
Readers, writers, and storytellers are invited to join us at the Cavendish Literary Festival
The Cavendish Literary Festival returns for its second year! Four days of storytelling, creativity, and community in the charming Cavendish Countryside.
Among intimate venues and the quiet beauty of the land that inspired Anne of Green Gables, we’ll once again celebrate the voices that shape us and inspire the next generation of stories.
Expect thought-provoking panels with renowned authors, inspired conversations, soul-stirring workshops, and moments that remind us of the transformative power of literature.
Voices of 2026
Donna Jones Alward
Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings since 2006. Her historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire. Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. Find her online at donnajonesalward.com.
Antonio Michael Downing
Antonio Michael Downing is the author of Saga Boy and Stars in My Crown, and host of CBC’s The Next Chapter, where he interviews authors and columnists. He spends his time writing, making music, and honouring his grandmother’s legacy. Black Cherokee is his powerful and highly anticipated debut novel.
Linden MacIntyre
Linden MacIntyre is a bestselling novelist and award-winning journalist. His novel The Bishop’s Man won the Giller Prize. A former fifth estate co-host, he has authored acclaimed fiction and nonfiction, including The Wake. He lives in Toronto and summers in Cape Breton with his wife, Carol Off.
Your Moderators
Dr. Trevor Jain
Dr. Trevor Jain is an emergency physician, military veteran, and award‑winning leader in disaster medicine whose career bridges science, service, and storytelling. A frequent voice on CBC and CTV, Dr. Jain is known for translating complex medical challenges into compelling narratives—making him an ideal guide for conversations at the Cavendish Literary Festival.
Keir Lowther
Keir Lowther is the author of Dirty Bird, winner of the 2013 Margaret and John Savage First Novel Award at the Atlantic Book Awards, shortlisted for a Relit Award, a PEI Book Award for Fiction, and the Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Prize. He is a former nationally ranked junior tennis player and provincial tennis champion. He lives in Prince Edward Island with his wife, daughter, son and dog.
Laura Chapin
Laura Chapin is an award-winning journalist who worked with CBC for 30 years, in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Halifax and Charlottetown before retiring last year. Her monologue The Pants was performed in Winnipeg and published by the former feminist theatre company Sarasvati Productions. As an avid reader, Laura is thrilled to be a moderator with the Cavendish Literary Festival.
Musicians
Olivia Blacquiere
Olivia Blacquiere, a Prince Edward Island musician, blends heritage and heart, inspired by generations of storytellers and musicians. Through piano, guitar, and soulful voice, she unites timeless tradition with a vibrant, distinctly personal sound.
Luka Hall & Sydney Thompson
Charlottetown’s Luka Hall & Sydney Thompson are a folk duo whose authentic musicianship and harmonies captivate audiences. Luka’s songwriting, guitar, and fiddle skills blend seamlessly with Sydney’s warm, soulful vocals, creating unforgettable musical moments.
Lawrence Maxwell
Lawrence Maxwell is a Prince Edward Island alt-country artist and 2024 Music PEI Entertainer of the Year. With international shows and acclaimed songs, his music blends raw storytelling with neo-traditional country roots.
Events
For authors, writers, and readers alike
Authors
Share your work, connect with fellow storytellers, and celebrate the power of words in a community that loves literature as much as you do.
Writers
Spark your creativity with seaside workshops, intimate panels, and inspiration around every corner.
Readers
Get lost in stories, meet your favourite authors, and discover new reads in the place that inspired Anne of Green Gables.